Poll

I'm a little sad that there's only 2 votes on my poll at the moment. There's only 5 more days to vote, guys!

Dead or Alive XTreme 2

Console: XBox 360
Developer: Team Ninja

This game has the deepest, more emotionally impacting storyline and characters that I have seen in the history of gaming.

Yeah. Right.

Let’s be honest: half of you don’t know what this game is, and the other half are surprised I’m writing about this game at all. The basis of the game is you choose to be one of 9 bikini-wearing Dead or Alive girls, then take an island vacation choosing between water and beach sports, such as volleyball or water skiing.

So why AM I making a review on this game?

All games have writing. Even for games in which the writing may seem like it has no purpose, there should still be an effort to bring across the characters and plot as strongly as possible. Even casual games need story.

That, and this game is really addicting.

So, to the fact that there are no spoilers or deep plot twists, feel free to read the entire post.

Characters: 2/5
Storyline: 2/5
Interaction: Great!

Zack
Zack scares me. This can be a plus or minus to an audience depending on your angle. But as a character, he stands out quite well. He is the comic relief, and he has the personality type that makes me believe that he would, in fact, pull up a desert island from the bottom of the ocean and trick a whole bunch of girls to escape on it so he can make cash.

Improvements: It’s his island, but there’s no interaction with him during the game. He gives you a present every night (creepy) but he never talks to you. If he’s in charge of the island, don’t you think he would check up on you?


Niki
Niki is meant to be the girl that is head over heals for her boyfriend. She plays it well. The problem with this is she almost lacks personality of her own. She’s sweet and seems to make a good partner with Zack, but I think she could use a little individuality.

Improvements: She can be her own person. Make her more than just “Zack’s girlfriend.”


Kasumi
According to the insert, Kasumi is a runaway ninja. For a ninja, is sure is sensitive. She’s more like a Disney princess than a trained assassin.

Improvements: Make the background match the character’s personality.


Hitomi
This girl is quite childlike. She reminds me of a 10 year old girl, not an 18 year old tournament fighter. I found this character a little bland. She seemed like a rather generic character, with nothing that really stood out.

Improvements: Have something about her that stands out!


Leifang
Leifang has the least amount of character depth out of any of the characters in this game. She’s far too generic, with nothing that stands out.

Improvements: Personality! Make her an individual.


Christie
Since there are so few girls with spunk in this game, thank God for Christie. She’s cold and rude, which fits her background as an assassin very well.

Improvements: Christie doesn’t seem to play well with others. This makes it hard for me to believe that she would try to play volleyball and tug of war with other girls.


Kokoro
While Hitomi reminds me of a 10 year old, Kokoro reminds me of a 5 year old. She’s constantly whining and worrying about her mother coming and taking her off the island. Other than that, she almost has the same traits as Kasumi, in the fact that she seems like a Disney princess.

Improvements: Add a little more maturity to this character. And why are both the Japanese girls these dainty and sweet little things?


Helena
Contrary to American stereotypes that make the French seem rude and selfish, Helena is a sweet girl that looks at the finer things in life. She is almost never rude and is very in touch with her surroundings. Way to go on going against stereotypes!

Improvements: Add a little more flavor to her. She’s got the sweet, now where’s the spicy?


Tina
Tina is a southern girl, showing off the American way of being sugar and spice at the same time. She’s spunky, but kind. The story behind Tina is that she has ran away from her father for a good time. Tina is one of the better characters for the fact that she has a distinct personality and a background that matches.

Improvements: Sometimes she’s randomly rude to you if you ask her to be your partner, but if you play as her she’s normally semi-sweet. It’s a little inconsistent.


Lisa
I take it back. Lisa is the most bland out of the characters. She has 2 alternating lines that are completely generic and boring. Try again.

Improvements: Everything.


Ayane
Ayane is hot and cold. If you play as her, she’s nice and frisky; if you play as someone else and ask her to be your partner, she’s a jerk. Bipolar?

Improvements: Not only does she not have that much character depth, but she can’t decide who she is. Pick a personality (or lack there of) and stick to it.


Interaction
The interaction in this game is the best part regarding the writing field. Each character is programmed to respond to the other whether or not it’s in volleyball games, casino playing, or jet ski racing. When someone is with a group of people, there is usually more interaction than someone talking to themselves. It’s important to remember those types of things when making casual games.


Final Say:
If you’re looking for a game that’s mentally stimulating, you’ve picked up the wrong game. This game can’t even give you an assortment of female personalities. The interaction between the characters, however, is good and more games should have that sort of interaction.


Other notes: I don’t care if you have 18 different songs. They all suck.

Character Development #2: Interview

Your character should be as real to you as possible. If he or she is not real to you, why would he or she be real to anyone else?

If you’re a writer, you’re part crazy. And that’s ok. You should be crazy enough to be able to see and talk to your characters as if they were real people. In that case, interview your characters. If you want to roleplay as both an interviewer and the character... well, you’re crazier than I am.

There are many questions you should ask your character, whether or not it comes into light within your story, plot, or gameplay. These questions that you ask your characters will shape who your character is, regardless of whether you tell your audience or not.

Here are some questions you should have the answers to for your characters:


Background
-->What were your parents like? Did you have a good relationship with them? Who did you like better? What was their relationship with each other like?
--> What about other family members? Do you have aunts, uncles, nieces or nephews? Cousins? Pets?
--> Did you like your childhood? What would have changed?
--> Where were you born? What was the neighborhood like that you grew up in?
--> Were you traumatized by anything as a child?


Personal
--> What ethnicity(s) are you? Where do you get those from?
--> What is your religion? Why are you that religion? What do you practice?
--> What is your philosophy towards life? Are you optimistic, pessimistic, or a realist?
--> What social class are you? What is your annual salary?
--> Which of the 7 Deadly Sins do you suffer the most from?
--> What is your highest education? Do you have any awards or degrees?
--> Do you have any illnesses? Physical or mental.


General
-->What do you do in your free time? What hobbies do you have?
--> What subjects interest you? History, Art, Literature, Music, Math, Technology, Philosophy, Medicine, Zoology, Dance, Language, Cuisine, etc...
--> What are you afraid of? Heights, spiders, enclosed spaces, dogs, UFOs, work, sex, being buried alive, germs, the world spinning backwards, dust, everything...
--> What is your biggest strength? What are some other strengths you have?
--> What is your biggest weakness? What are some other weaknesses you have?
--> What are your dreams?
--> What would you like see in the world? What changes would you make if you could?
--> What clothes style do you like? What clothes style do you think is really stupid?
--> What form of exercise do you like? What type do you hate?
--> What are foods you can’t live without? What are foods you wish never existed?
--> What are your pet peeves?
--> What turns you on? What turns you off? What do you think is romantic? Are you old fashioned or modern?
--> What are your best traits? What are your worst habits?
--> What skills do you have?


Personality Traits
--> How do you handle problems? Slow to anger? Quick to anger?
--> Shy or loud?
--> Quick witted or slow to process?
--> Sarcastic or sincere?
--> Show off, goof, or angel?
--> Rebellious or obedient?

The list can go on and on if you let it. And you should! The more you know about your character, the better! Characters have to be living, breathing people to you or else your story will be weak.

Remember: Stories are character driven, not plot driven. I can’t emphasize that enough. Your characters tell the story, you’re just there to put it on paper.

Helpful Tip: Look at my blog on character development with astrology here: http://thickorthingamewriting.blogspot.com/2008/12/character-development-type-1-astrology.html

Use it with the questions to create an awesome character!

Writing Assignment #3-- Character With a Handicap

Most of us are regular people. Even if you are a politician who claims to have godly powers, truth be known, we still all have our strength and weaknesses. Some of us have physical or mental handicaps.

The assignment for this week is to write out a character with a physical handicap. What is s/he physically incapable of doing? What elements in a plot would challenge this?

Now, you don't have to go all Touched By An Angel and make it so the character becomes cured of their ailment, but at least think about a plot in which this character would have difficulty. Plot is based on struggles, right?

In a book series, Keys to the Kingdom: Mister Monday by Garth Nix, the main character has asthma. His violent attacks are softened by a magical key that he has to grasp in his hand. I know this isn’t a video game reference, but the idea of a handicap is still behind it.

Why have a character with a handicap in the game? Isn’t the point of game characters to have someone to identify to? The point isn’t to have gamers shed a tear when the main character realizes he can do amazing things even as a handicapped person, the point is to make stories rich with characters we can identify to.

If you want to go so far in this exercise to figure out gameplay, have at it. I'm sure there are a few game designers as well as writers out there, so feel free to put in whatever aspects necessary.

Post what you come up with!

Fable 2

Release Date: 2008 (Xbox 360)
Developer: Lionhead Studios
Publisher: Microsoft

Fable is rather famous among gamers, either being the greatest thing ever or a sad attempt at an action RPG. But gameplay is not what I'm reviewing, so I'm leaving it out of this.

Story Rating: 4/5
Character Rating: 3/5
Mission Writing: 5/5

Warning: Spoilers Ahead. Please skip the rest of this post if you plan on playing the game!

Story
The basic story of Fable 2 is that you play as an orphan boy/girl who buys a music box that is supposed to grant one wish. You and your sister end up in a huge castle where a dude named Lucian flips out and shoots you and your sister. You fall out a window to be saved by a blind gypsy who raises you to stop Lucian from destroying the world. To do this, you must find the other 3 Heroes that are needed to defeat Lucian.

Pros:
--> The dialogue is written wonderfully, giving personality and individuality to each character.
-->I like the idea of actually searching for a few particular people, instead of most RPG games in which you just “run into” people that just decide to tag along for no real reason other than “Hey, I'm going that way too. Let's go together! Tee-hee!”

Cons:
-->A dog that seems to have no real point in the story besides taking a bullet for you at the end
-->Another bad guy that wants to rule the world sort of deal

Characters

Main (Rating: 0/5)
Yes, you play as a speechless character. I understand that this is a sandbox game, but so is Grand Theft Auto 4 and the main character in that game speaks. At least let me have some dialogue to choose from...

Improvements: I don't know...maybe... a personality?

Hammer (4.5/5)
I rather like this character. A buffed-out lady monk who wants to smash in some faces but has to hold back since she's sworn an oath. But once she loses her father, all oaths go out the window and she swears to get revenge on Lucian for his men killing her father. She's witty, chatty, and has fun when smashing things.

Improvements: She didn't seem to have enough faults. Other than being incredibly chatty, there was nothing about her that struck me unpleasant. All characters should have things that you love and hate about them. Not just love.

Garth (2/5)
Garth is a James Earl Jones reincarnate that follows me around telling me to use my magical powers. Sorry guys, but this character is way too Star Wars for me. He has some great moments of wit, but when it comes down to it, all he does is boss me around while sitting in a corner glowing.

Improvements: Needs to be a little more rounded out. Garth didn't say much and when he did, it was barely anything original. I barely know anything about him other than he was in Lucian's hands and I had to break him out of them.

Reaver (4/5)
I hate this character. And I don't mean because he's poorly developed, I just mean that I hated him so much that when I beat the game I wanted to go back, track him down, and shoot him in the face. Reaver is a very arrogant and rich thief, who tricked me into selling my youth to save himself, and then turned around and called Lucian to come pick me up just for his own personal gain.

Improvements: The opposite of Hammer: there was nothing about him I liked. He could shoot a gun pretty well, but that's not reason for me to like him. I almost killed him myself and he's supposed to be a Hero?

Theresa (3/5)
Why are mystical people always able to speak in my head? It's creepy. Theresa is an interesting character, and one that I kept trying to figure out if she was using me for her own plans or if she was actually on my side. She gets the spire and ditches you, which makes you think that the spire was her main objective all along, not to protect the peace. She has no real show of emotions and usually just tells me what to do.

Improvements: How about a mystical character that doesn't state the obvious? Theresa needs a little more depth to her. If I'm supposed to be confused about what side she's on, really confuse me about it. I want to be on the edge of my seat wondering if she's going to betray me or support me. Also, her dialogue sounds more like a narrator than a character.

Lucian (3.5/5)
Lucian wants to create a new and better world. Or an old one... something like that. Someone mentions in the game that he wishes to revive his family from the dead, but that's not really looked into and it doesn't seem like a valid excuse try to change the world into what he wanted. This guy is pretty bad, considering the fact that he shot me in the face twice. And once in awhile you see some sort of heart in him, but it's quickly eaten by his insane mind. With the way he gathered and killed people that didn't fit his view of a perfect world, I'm sure him and Hitler would have a lot of common interests.

Improvements: His motives confuse me at points. I understand that he wants to get rid of the Heroes so he can get the spire to bring his family back. But what's with the recruits for “a better world?” I'd like a little more background on the character that I'm spending the entire game trying to defeat.

Side Quests 5/5
My rating on side quests have to do with these things:

-->Does it fit in with the game world
-->Are the characters in the side quests well developed enough for me to believe that they REALLY need my help
-->Is it something really pointless

Fable has pretty good side quests for the most part. I'm not going to go into each one obviously... I assume you people have lives. (Emphasis on the word “assume.”) Overall, Fable 2 did side quests that immersed you into the world, giving me some memorable characters along the way. How can I forget the heart-warming quest of where a transvestite guy tried to trap me in his house and stab me in the neck after setting fire to all his pets. Good, family-oriented times.

FINAL SAY
Fable 2 has a pretty simple storyline, with good side quest writing. Lionhead Studio said they wanted to focus on the emotion of the game, which I can't say didn't work for the main fact that I got pissed off at half the story because it seemed so unfair. However, there was no part in the game where I was so emotionally distraught that I shed a tear. That didn't happen. And I'm pretty sappy.

I recommend playing it not for the storyline, but for the characters. If you want to study some interesting and insane characters, definitely play.

Other Notes:
Why did I look like a she-man half way through? That was really irritating...

Writing Assignment #2-- Bad Guy

There are many types of antagonists. Some of them are really boring, others I find a delightful twist in. Have you ever noticed how much creativity goes into antagonists meant for kid shows? I’ve seen more originality in comic book characters than in video game bad guys.

All right, so here’s your assignment:

Give me the background to an awesomely evil dude. Where he grew up, what he likes and dislikes, who his family is, what morals does he stand by, what things does he fight for, why does he oppose the protagonist....

Remember that bad guys have strengths, the same way that good guys have faults.

Writing Exercise #1-- Your First Mission

I thought I'd start a new regular article on my blog. I'm going to post some writing exercises in which you can work on some writing elements.

Your first writing exercise is going to be a first mission. There are a few types of writers in the industry: a technical writer, a dialogue writer, plot writers, and mission writers. I'm going to start you out with a mission writing exercise.


Background: Rhet is a dark elf that lives in a secluded forest village. He only has one weak spell: Lightning.

Task: Give Rhet a task to do in the village or forest involving his lightning spell. Remember that this will be the first mission within the game, so do not make it too difficult or long. Write a basic overview of what the mission is, what tasks are involved for Rhet to complete his task, and if you wish throw in some dialogue that will be exchanged in this mission.

Feel free to post them up here!